How To Change A Catalytic Converter Yourself In Very Easy Steps

A catalytic converter refers to a device that controls emissions. This device is responsible for converting toxic fumes in the exhaust gas to less harmful pollutants through catalyzing a redox reaction.

A catalytic converter is used for both petrol and diesel engines. In controlling the emissions from the exhaust gas, this equipment brings about minimized air pollution. Changing this equipment can be done by a mechanical professional, and you can do it yourself.

All you are required to do is follow the changing steps to the latter. I have outlined the steps you need to follow in this article. The steps provide a clear guideline to ensure successful changing of your catalytic converter.

3. Oxides

4. The Catalyst Itself

Platinum is the most widely used active catalyst. It is used for both reduction and oxidation. Palladium and rhodium are amongst special metals utilized in the catalytic process. Rhodium serves as a reduction catalyst while palladium acts as the oxidation catalyst

What You Will Need

Steps To Follow When Replacing A Catalytic Converter

Step 1: Elevation Of The Car

You can do this using a car jack or a pair of rumps, aim to be to raise your car in the air. Doing so provides you with enough working space when changing the catalytic converter.

In choosing equipment to elevate your car, make sure it doesn’t expose you to any form of accidents such as the car assuming its normal ground position while you are working beneath your car.

Step 2: Review The User's Manual

Take a closer look at your vehicle's manual for the information regarding its catalytic converter. This information is important since you need to understand the equipment quite well before dismantling it to replace it with another.

Make use of all the diagrams available in the user's manual which entail details about the catalytic converter's bolts, pieces as well as other small parts. Being conversant with the catalytic converter's parts ensures that you dismantle the device carefully.

The knowledge on the various parts ensures that you place them back into place after replacing the old catalytic converter with a new one. In case it becomes challenging, feel free to consult an automotive mechanic.

Step 3: Loosen And Remove The Bolts

The catalytic converter equipped in your car is held into place by several bolts. When replacing it with a new one, you will be required to remove the screws that hold the old catalytic converter.

However, removing the bolts might be challenging. Corrosion is sometimes a major reason why loosening the bolts might be tasking. You may need another tool such as a drill to deal with the bolt's loosening resistance.

When removing the bolts, you will also be required to remove nuts and seals. Afterward, you can easily replace your catalytic converter.

Steps 4: Get A New Catalytic Converter

You can acquire a new catalytic converter from your local auto parts store. You can do this, with the help of a trusted auto parts mechanic. The main reason for carrying along a trusted mechanic is ensuring that the replacement suits your type of car.

Make sure the replacement you purchase isn’t a rebuild or any equipment that isn’t made for the type of car you own. This ensures that the replacement process is quick and easy.

Step 5: Remove The Oxygen Sensor

You can do this carefully using an O2 wrench. Afterward, ensure that you remove the pipe responsible for connecting the oxygen sensor to the catalytic converter. However, make sure you go through your car's user’s manual since some cars require you to remove more than one pipe.

It is important to note that you are expected to do all this before you unbolt your old catalytic converter from the muffler. When you are done removing the pipe connecting the oxygen sensor to the catalytic converter, continue with unbolting.

Step 6: Replace The Old With A New One

Fit in the new catalytic converter where the old one was. Then place back all the other parts that you had removed when dismantling. Bolt the new catalytic converter.

Remember to reattach every pipe in the exhaust system as well as the oxygen sensor. In case you encounter pipe cracking while installing, ensure you replace the cracked pipes.

Importance Of The Catalytic Converter

A catalytic converter is an important device in your car since it brings about emission of less toxic pollutants into the environment. Without a catalytic converter, your car is bound to emit toxic gases from its exhaust system.

Just like most important equipment, it doesn’t last forever. It thereby calls for replacement when it wears out. In making the replacement, ensure you replace the other components that make up the catalytic converter.

Look at the interconnecting pipes. They could be worn out too, therefore needing a replacement for better performance of the catalytic converter.

Conclusion

Sometimes replacement can be quite tasking due to factors such as corrosion and too tight bolts. You can as well use tools such as a drill in case the corrosion has greatly affected the catalytic converter.

It is thereby advisable to consult an automobile mechanic who will guide you through the replacement process.

Outlined above, in this article, are essential steps you are expected to follow when replacing the old catalytic converter with a new one. When followed to the latter, you will easily replace your worn out catalytic converter.